10 Things to Do in Monterrey on a Small Budget

Fundidora Park (Parque Fundidora) is in many ways the centre of culture in Monterrey, with a wealth of museums, theme parks, and relaxing green space all within its limits. While many of the specific attractions here, like Sesame Street Park, do carry an entry fee, Fundidora Park itself is free to enter, and some of the museums here are exceptionally affordable and even free to visit. You can have a world of exciting outdoor adventures here, including rappelling and zip lining as well as seeing historic sites and art galleries.

If you're looking for a great time in Monterrey without breaking the bank, this park is the spot to start. It's just 10 minutes east of city centre.

Macroplaza, also locally known as Gran Plaza, is in the heart of city centre and offers sculpture, fountains, historic monuments, playgrounds, and live entertainment. This is a family-friendly location where musicians play at the kiosk all the time. You can visit important places like the Municipal Palace, see intricate sculptures like Neptune's Fountain, or catch photos of landmarks like the Trade Lighthouse.

For the kids, there are play areas, and this bustling, huge square is also a cultural centre in Monterrey. You can also head just steps away to discover world-class shopping and dining surrounding the square. It's a great place for activity and entertainment, or just for people watching.

Chipinque Ecological Park (Parque Ecológico Chipinque A.B.P.) offers a stunning mountain nature reserve with hiking, mountain biking, and panoramic views of the city and valley below. You'll walk or bike through miles of dense forest trails, all well-marked, and you'll climb rocky peaks. You can rent mountain bikes or book guided tours, but if you want the truly budget-friendly option, you can just explore on your own. The on-site visitor centre offers snacks, drinks, and permits to enter the park and explore.

You'll have ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and catching photos of the city. The entire experience is just 25 minutes south of city centre.

Santa Lucia Riverwalk (Paseo Santa Lucía) is a riverwalk connecting several sections of city centre along miles of scenic shoreline along an artificial waterway offering public art, dining, games, and entertainment. The walk offers plenty of fantastic restaurants with a wide range of fare at an equally wide range of price points for your budget-friendly excursion. Children's play areas allow the kids to have a great time, and you can see street art, fountains, and other public art installations along the way.

Occasional live musical performances take this elegant and pristine promenade to the next level. It's completely free and a serene way to spend an afternoon in the heart of city centre Monterrey.

Alameda Mariano Escobedo is an urban park right in the heart of city centre Monterrey offering green space, walking and biking paths, and easy access to the city's attractions. The park gets crowded but still maintains a cosy feel and is popular among couples looking for a place to relax under a shady tree. The park is popular with locals and visitors alike, so it's also a good place to people watch and soak up the local culture.

Unlike other nearby city parks, this small park is ideal for a quick break. It has the feel of a town square and a park, surrounded by street food, arts-and-crafts vendors, and historic homes.

Old Town (Barrio Antiguo) is a historic area just steps from a vast town square with gorgeous historic buildings, an Old World Europe feel, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Stroll by colourful buildings that are hundreds of years old, all decorated with hanging plants and old Spanish-style architecture. You can relax at a traditional pavement cafe and watch people enjoying the day. You can window shop at arts and crafts stores, boutiques, and antique shops and visit public art spaces or art galleries. You can even hit up bars for exciting nightlife experiences.

This area is a thrilling example of local revitalisation. It's right in the heart of city centre Monterrey.

Monterrey Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey) is a centrepiece of Monterrey's grand plaza area with stunning neoclassical, baroque architecture and interior art. This building was started in the 17th century and took over 150 years to complete. Today it's a centrepiece of historic architecture in the city. Inside, you can see amazing statues and artwork, including an embossed silver-fronted tabernacle and a 19th-century Merklin organ, as well as paintings by famous Mexican artists.

This cathedral is important in local history as one of the few remaining structures from the era before Mexican Independence. It's also a functioning church and an important spiritual site for locals in the heart of city centre.

Planetarium Alfa (Planetario Alfa) is a planetarium and science museum in the heart of city centre Monterrey offering hands-on exhibits, talks, films, and interactive education. The museum was opened in 1978 to promote awareness and education of science and technology in Latin America. Some of its most important and well-known features include a complete aviary with exotic birds like peacocks, an IMAX cinema where they show stunning documentaries, and the Universe Pavilion where you'll feel like you're walking among the stars.

In addition to the permanent exhibits and hands-on experiments that kids love, the museum also houses rotating, visiting exhibitions. Planetario Alfa is a short 20-minute drive south of city centre Monterrey.

Renting bikes at All in Bicycle lets you check out the city in a unique, fun, exciting, and healthy way as you pedal along the streets and landmarks of Monterrey. This company has more than 10 years of service and experience in Monterrey, offering recreational cycling. It exists to promote and encourage the bicycle as an alternative means of transport that's healthy and non-polluting. Biking will help improve both mental health and physical health through exercise.

Travelling around the city on a bicycle offers the chance to get some exercise while taking your time visiting all the local points of interest. It's in Fundidora Park, 10 minutes to the east of city centre.

Mercado Campesino is a thriving and bustling public farmer's market in the heart of city centre Monterrey offering delicious food, fresh produce, and tonnes of local colour. You'll recognise this one because not only do they sell prepared and fresh food and ingredients, farmers also sell livestock. This is also a place to try classic local cuisine made with family recipes, then buy the ingredients to make it yourself at home. You can try semitas y turcos, machaca, and other prepared foods. You'll also find a mind-boggling range of salsas and chiles.

This market offers dozens of vendors to let you try it all. From fruits and veggies to hot foods, it's a whole day of sight, smell, and taste.